Lambs

We are planning to move over within the next few months. My husband has had a few job offers and despite a lot of research into cost of living, we are a bit stumped about what standard of living we can expect with the salaries on offer. We are aware that salaries are lower than the UK, so it isn't necessary wise to do a direct comparison. It is hard to establish what the general salary level is for his level as none of the employment websites show salary ranges (how are you supposed to know what to apply for??)
E.g. If living in somewhere like Clevedon, is 120k plus company car going to be enough to get a nice 4 bed rental and a decent standard of living? We like to eat out occasionally, but have two toddlers, so we aren't party animals. Also, how easy is it to find part time work at middle management level (for me). I don't want to go back full time while the kids are so young.

A lot of jobs don't seem to include cars like they do in the UK, or healthcare. Are these things to push for or is it better to take an extra 20k? With the difference in income tax rates, the take home can be radically different than a similar salary here, so it's all getting quite confusing.

MrsFychan

have you done a search for job description and salary on Google.

without knowing what profession your husbands job offer is in not sure many people can advice if whatever he is being offered is a good salary or not

Catchafire

Hello and welcome to the forum.

$120k+car is considered a good salary, I know as a family of 4, we get by on much less.

Have a look at

http://www.trademe.co.nz/property?jh...ories-property

For ideas of rental cost.

Clevedon is a bit outside of Auckland and could be a pain if you hubby has to comute everyday.

As for finding part time "middle management" work

http://www.trademe.co.nz/jobs

Good luck!

Lambs

Thanks. We know the salary is fine for the job, but he has been doing something more senior here so the drop is quite significant, but then the job would be much easier for him. It would be nice to share the responsibility of supporting the family, however, so that he can enjoy life in nz. We just wanted to get an idea of whether you can have a nice life on that kind of money as I believe more than half of my part time salary will go on childcare.
He knows the area of Clevedon and also he wouldn't need to commute every day. Plus the company is not in the CBD. Gotta be better than travelling abroad several days a week which is what he has been doing!
Really looking forward to coming over. We are happy to tighten our belts if it means we can enjoy the great nz lifestyle.